A lot of things ran through my mind when contemplating releasing this to the public eye. The first thoughts that came were of the reception that I would receive and whether these comments would be seen as taking away from the extraordinary world cup performances of the Wallabies. I would like to make it clear to all who read this that the intention behind this letter is not to detract, but to support and finally set a precedent where it is not alright for former players and game commentators to incessantly deride current players for the on and off field mistakes.
I would like to acknowledge a video that I made that may have been a catalyst for Greg Martin’s stinging remarks. I made this video in response to what I felt was unfair commentary toward the Wallaby team and their current world cup campaign. I would also like to make it clear that the video was made with light hearted intentions with the serious message that Greg Martin needed to support, and not put down the players giving their all on the field. How is ridiculing the players’ going to help us bring home the cup? Isn’t that what we all want?
I have learned to accept that criticism is part of the game. It’s something that I have learned to accept and deal with, without it affecting the way I perform. I have chosen over my career to not give credence to such criticisms however it has evolved into something that is not only a personal attack but is detrimental to the game itself, and under these circumstances I feel like my voice needs to be heard.
Greg’s words no longer pertain to just myself, and my reasons for responding is not just to protect my image but the well being of players that have yet to experience the insults and degradation from people like Greg.
Greg did not say these comments while I was present, he offered me no chance to respond and frankly from the position I stand he does not care. He has no interest in the truth; he has no interest in finding the real story. Greg’s interest is his own opinion and making his own headlines, with no consideration to whom he drags through the mud.
In this statement, I will not insult Greg, I will not ridicule or abuse him, but I will seek to destroy the rationale and ignorance that forms the basis of his arguments.
Greg Martin cited a correlation between the current performance of the Australian side, and the fact that I was no longer in it. There can be no other interpretation than to say that I, singularly, am responsible for perceived poor performance and attitude among an entire squad of no less than thirty individuals and an extensive coaching and support team. I do not need to remind any Australian rugby supporter of the controversy late last year, and the resulting instatement of Michael Cheika as Wallaby coach. I feel Greg would be surprised to hear that I was not involved in this; in fact I was halfway around the world on another continent.
I am the first to recognise that my previous behaviour was not one of an upstanding individual, but like all people I wish to learn from my mistakes and look to improve upon myself. Greg’s comment on “everyone else growing up, except for James O’Connor” implies that I have no recognition of the consequences of my previous actions. I find it ironic that the man accusing me of being immature then preceded to call me an ‘immature twat’, and ‘a little punk’ on live radio. A childish insult at best, from a 50 year old father.
Some may argue that Greg gave compromise in stating that he previously offered me support, as well as the Red’s team. However these are nothing more than thinly veiled attempts to conceal the true message he wished to convey. Everything that was said was a stepping stone for him to base a whole personal attack on assumptions, citing irrelevant examples such as my supposed lack of guidance in Perth. Despite being under the tutelage of one of the great former All Black coaches in John Mitchell, as well as former Wallaby captains Nathan Sharpe, David Pocock and Matt Giteau.
The fact is, something is not right in our media for someone in a powerful and influential position toward the public and rugby union fans to walk around continuously making outlandish comments and is not being held accountable for them.
Greg then went on to question the legitimacy of my contractual release from the Red’s due to my own personal issues. A recent headline that sticks out for me is the much-publicised story of another prominent athletes’ own personal issues. However, the key difference in this, was that this person received support from not only his peers but also Australian media and was used as a tool to highlight the importance of recognition of mental illness. I do not need to answer the speculation of a man that obviously has little empathy toward fellow athletes. Instead of support, Greg felt it necessary to question my character when for all he knows; my mental state could be extremely unstable. Surely there is a duty of care for a man in his position with the power to produce media for mass-consumption. The fact is the man is trivialising mental health issues by making such comments when he knows nothing about the circumstances surrounding my release.
Greg likes to talk about the sacredness and brotherhood behind playing for the Wallabies. However he does not hesitate to insult those exact players that pull on that jersey. After playing just over a handful of caps, he’s pulled on the Wallaby jersey enough times to know how devastating it could be to have fellow countrymen alienate you in the media. I can recall numerous times where Greg Martin has emphasised the importance of supporting the team while simultaneously stating things that are in direct conflict with what comes out of his mouth. You will never hear Ray Warren attack a player. Look at how Brad Fitler and Gorden Tallis spoke nothing but praise and admiration for their former constituents during State of Origin. Compare that to Greg’s commentating of the Australia vs Uruguay world cup game, and what will be found is numerous comments deriding the efforts of players giving their all for their country.
I have tremendous respect for Australian rugby. One thing I can say without a doubt is that I have never taken for granted the opportunity and nor have I ever left the field thinking I could have done more for the gold jersey. Like every person that is afforded the opportunity to represent his country, it is a dream come true and will always remain that way.
This year, there were no headlines regarding my so-called off field antics, yet Greg does not hesitate to say I have not matured. While my season with the Red’s was not as favourable as I would have expected for myself or my team, I did not come back to Australia expecting a warm reception, or a gauntlet welcoming me back to test rugby. I knew full well the mountain I had to climb to get back into the squad, and regardless of my form and injuries it was a huge disappointment to not be included. At no point though, was there an expectation of my inclusion as Greg implied.
This issue, I believe, goes beyond me. While I have gone to great lengths to address what Greg has said about me, the reasons for me doing this is to emphasise that these comments are unacceptable. I write these words so that other athletes, future or current do not have to be on the receiving end of tormenting comments that they have absolutely no hope of clarifying. It doesn’t take a genius to realise the potential dangers of such blatant character assassination. Greg Martin has become a media lackey, willing to say whatever is put in front of him without contemplating the rippling effects it may have on those he is commenting on. There is a narrative today that builds athletes to astronomical proportions, leading them to be idolised and adored, to then be torn down by those exact people that helped build them up. Some would see what Greg has done as bullying, plain and simple.
With so much emphasis today on the importance of choosing words wisely, and showing tact and respect to others I sincerely hope that my words will open the Australian publics’ eyes, and maybe even Greg Martins’. At the end of the day, while being somebody in the spotlight, I am a person. I may not talk the way you want me to, carry myself in such a way that is agreeable to some, but in what world does that give someone the right to destroy someone’s integrity in a public forum.
I wish the boys well in their quarter-final clash against Scotland. Lets get behind them!
Regards James O’Connor
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Originally Posted by shasta
